Consistent gelding It Is Written opened up new set of possibilities for himself and helped rider Nick Hall to a winning treble with his win in Sunday’s Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield.
Trainer Robbie Griffiths believes It Is Written’s win in the Listed 1200m sprint entitled him to test over more ground on Melbourne’s biggest day of racing.
It Is Written winning the Spicer Thoroughbreds Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
“There’s a nice 1400 metre race for him on Derby Day,” Griffiths said.
“Up until now he’s been strictly a sprinter, but the way he won today we can look beyond that.
“He’s got enough talent to be a decent horse.”
It Is Written indicated some extra ground would suit, storming home to snatch the lead 100m out and hold off Richie’s Vine with the favourite Chiaramonte third.
The win followed earlier victories for Hall on May’s Dream in the Procal Dairies Handicap and Phantom Brew, a ride he picked up from the suspended Damien Oliver, in the PPS Handicap.
Stewards at Caulfield caused a minor stir on Sunday, lodging a protest on behalf of the connections of Fabriano who finished fourth to Hall’s second winner Phantom Brew.
The stewards’ protest came after Fabriano’s rider Jye McNeil had viewed the patrol film but decided not to object against third placegetter Verdant.
Stewards duly upheld their protest.
